The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager reported on information on the All-Party parliamentary group (APPG) on British Muslims’ definition of islamophobia and sought approval whether the All-Party parliamentary group on British Muslims’ definition of islamophobia should be adopted by the Council.

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager informed the Committee that in July 2021 all Leaders of Labour run councils were sent a letter from the Chair of the Labour Party urging them to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the Muslim community and working with them to root out Islamophobia wherever it rears its head by adopting the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia.  She stated that the adoption of a working definition like the APPG definition of Islamophobia is the first step to help tackle the very real nature of Islamophobia and that without a working definition, Islamophobia was often misunderstood, ignored and even allowed to take place openly across society. 

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager informed the Committee that the adoption of a definition will signal to Muslim communities there is a willingness to tackle Islamophobia and helped build trust in communities which can lead to openness, more reporting on incidents and general relationships being developed for long term work.  She stated that a definition is only the first step to tackle Islamophobia but it allowed a framework to be used to identify prejudices that may be faced locally.

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager highlighted the working definition of the All-Party Parliamentary Group of Islamophobia, together with contemporary examples of Islamophobia in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in encounters between religions and non-religions in the public sphere.  She stated that if adopted, it will support the work of the Strategic Equality Plan and the community cohesion agenda and cuts across policy areas and service delivery.  Any future requests for the adoption of definitions in relation to equalities, discrimination or community cohesion will be managed in the same way as this definition in that the information will be brought to, discussed in, and a decision made by Cabinet Committee Equalities.

The Cabinet Member Communities in endorsing the approach stated its adoption is an extra step for the Council.  A member of the Committee stated that any form of hate crime or racism should not be tolerated at all.  The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help highlighted the importance in making all communities feel valued and safe with the adoption of the definition of Islamophobia.  The Deputy Leader stated that the work of the All-Party was an important step in having a more equal society. 

The Cabinet Member Communities asked how the adoption of the definition could be communicated and publicised to staff, Members and more widely to the community.  The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager stated that it would be ensured the adoption of the definition would be communicated widely. 

RESOLVED:            That the Cabinet Committee Equalities Committee received and considered the report and agreed the adoption of the APPG definition of Islamophobia by Bridgend County Borough Council.